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When patients initially come to see me, a common request I hear is, “I want to look younger, but not plastic”. My immediate response it “Ultherapy!”

Usually with an enticing look on their face, they say “what is that?”…

Well, to give you a brief summary, here’s what I usually say: “Ultherapy or Ulthera will tone loose or wrinkled skin by using the body’s own healing response. Ulthera will tighten the neck and jowls or lift a sagging brow, for example, which in turn reduces the excess eyelid skin, giving the eyes a more refreshed appearance. It requires no special preparation and results typically appear after one treatment. The ultimate lifting will take two to three months, as rejuvenated, stronger collagen replaces the existing tired collagen in your skin.”

To get a little bit more detailed, I’ve included a few frequently asked questions about Ultherapy:

What is Ultherapy?

Ultherapy is a non-surgical face treatment that uses ultrasound to actually lift and tone loose or sagging skin without any downtime by using the body’s own healing response.

What is so different about this procedure?

Ultherapy is the only non-invasive treatment that can specifically target the deep foundation below the skin that is addressed in cosmetic surgery without cutting or disrupting the surface of the skin. It is also the only procedure to use ultrasound imaging, which allows us to actually see the layers of tissue we target during treatment and ensure the energy is deposited precisely to where it will be most effective.

How does Ulthera work?

Ultherapy deposits focused ultrasound energy below the surface of the skin to stimulate the body’s creation of new collagen. As a result, skin will actually begin to lift and tone over time.

What does collagen do?

Collagen is a natural protein that gives skin its youthfulness by keeping it firmed, toned and elastic. As we age, collagen loses its elasticity and its ability to stand up to the effects of gravity that pull the skin downward. Ultherapy jump starts a repair process that produces fresh, new collagen.

Is Ultherapy surgery?

No. Unlike a face lift, Ultherapy is a non-invasive procedure that addresses the skin and support layers below it, but doesn’t entail cutting or disrupting the surface of the skin.

Can Ultherapy replace a face lift?

Ultherapy is an “uplift” not a “face lift.” While it is not a replacement for surgery, it is a viable option for those not ready for a face lift or those looking to prolong the effects of cosmetic surgery.

How is Ultherapy different from lasers?

Lasers typically address issues in the superficial layers of the skin (e.g. fine lines, wrinkles, pigment changes). Ultherapy addresses the deep skin layer and the foundational layer addressed in cosmetic surgery that lift and lend support to the skin. Therefore, the two technologies are quite complementary!

Is Ultherapy safe?

The procedure has been cleared by the FDA after demonstrating safety in clinical studies, and tens of thousands of treatments have been performed safely worldwide. In addition, ultrasound energy has a proven track record, with use in the field of medicine for more than 50 years.

Who is a good candidate for Ultherapy?

A good candidate for Ultherapy is someone with skin that has “relaxed” to the point of looking, and often feeling, less firm. A lowered eyebrow line or sagging skin on the eyelids, for instance, is often the first sign of “maturing” skin. Typically, those in their thirties and older who have mild to moderate skin laxity are candidates.

While Ultherapy is not a replacement for a surgical face lift, there are many people who want some lifting but are not ready for surgery, either mentally, financially or logistically. There are also younger people who want to “stay ahead of the game” as well as those looking to prolong the effects of cosmetic surgery.

How long does the ultrasound treatment take?

A full face treatment takes 45-60 minutes, and a partial face or brow lift treatment can take around 30 minutes–neither with any downtime. This is why it’s been nick-named “The lunch-time face-lift”.

What problem areas does Ultherapy target? What kind of results do you get?

Ultherapy addresses mild to moderate loose or sagging skin. Specifically, by reconditioning and renewing the skin from within, Ultherapy will lift the brow, which in turn reduces excess skin on the lids, opens up the eyes, and gives a more refreshed look overall.

How long until I see results?

Patients may enjoy some initial effect but the ultimate lifting and toning will take place over 2-3 months, as tired collagen is replaced with new, more elastic collagen. As this collagen-building process continues, further improvements can appear up to 6 months following a procedure.

How long do results last?

Patients treated with Ultherapy still have fresh young collagen after a year’s time following the procedure, but skin continues to age. Future touch-up treatments can help keep pace with the aging process, which varies by individual.

Will I need more than one treatment?

The majority of patients only need one treatment; however, some may benefit from more than one treatment (depending on how much laxity they have and their body’s own biological response to the ultrasound and collagen-building process).

Is there any downtime?

Ultherapy is an entirely non-invasive procedure and as such, there is no downtime. You are able to return to your normal activities right away, and there are no special measures you need to take.

Will I feel the ultrasound during the treatment?

Yes. What you are feeling during the treatment is actually tiny amounts of focused ultrasound energy being deposited below the surface of the skin.

What does it feel like?

Comfort thresholds vary from patient to patient, but there can be some discomfort while the ultrasound energy is being delivered. This is temporary and a positive signal that the collagen-building process has been initiated.

Your practitioner will consult with you prior to your skin treatment to make your experience as pleasant as possible. Patients typically leave comfortable and excited about the benefits to come!

Are there any side effects?

There may be slight redness for up to an hour or so following the treatment, and a small percentage of patients may have slight swelling, tingling or tenderness to touch, but these are mild and temporary in nature. There is always the possibility for other less common post-procedural effects, which your practitioner will review with you.

How much does it cost?

Prices can range anywhere between $275 – $2500 per treatment.

So… does it really work? Yes! I’ve seen the magnificent results and will be going in for my own treatment soon!.. Very excited!

To find out more about Ulthera, you can read about it in these featured magazines or click on the link below to see exclusive videos:

People often wonder and ask me, “What’s the difference between an over-the-counter (OTC) skin care product and a professional or cosmeceutical skin care product?”

As I’ve come to learn over time… OTC beauty products are regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and can only penetrate the first layer of your skin…aka the “dead layer”. Professional products (cosmeceuticals) are not controlled by the FDA and penetrate the bottom layers of the epidermis… aka “live tissue”!

Now you may be wondering how this is possible… Let me explain.

The FDA recognizes two categories: pharmaceutical and OTC cosmetics, which are defined as…

Pharmaceutical or drug:

“Articles intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease” and “articles (other than food) intended to affect the structure or any function of the body of man or other animals” [FD&C Act, sec. 201(g)(1)].

Topical pharmaceuticals penetrate through the layers of the epidermis and affect the structure and function of the skin (think of prescription topical steroids or Retin-A).

Since many consumers “self-diagnose” when choosing a skin care product from a department/drug store, these products must be made safely. Meaning, big cosmetic companies cannot afford to have a huge number of consumers with issues from using very active products — so, that skin care product may feel good and smell good, but, most likely won’t have a lot of activity in its formulation.

Also, since cosmetic companies really don’t have to prove efficacy, the special active ingredient listed in the formula only has to appear somewhere on the ingredient list – ingredients are listed in content order, from most to least, so if you see that ”active” on the last half of the list (usually alphabetically) you can bet you are getting a tiny percentage (enough to be effective in the formulation?) of that specific ingredient.

Lastly, OTC cosmetics are also manufactured and distributed in very large batches, and are packed with almost as many preservatives as “active” ingredients! Many over-the-counter cosmetics simply do not penetrate the skin barrier, where the ingredient formula would have a therapeutic benefit to the skin.

Oh, and btw… Sephora, Macy’s, Nordstrom, & Saks products (to name a few)… Are all OTC!

Now, the FDA does not recognize the term “cosmeceutical”, but here’s its definition:

Cosmeceutical:

The term “cosmeceutical” was created in 1990s from cosm(etic) + (pharma)ceutic. It’s a cosmetic product claimed to have medicinal or drug-like benefits. Cosmeceutical products are marketed as cosmetics, but reputedly contain biologically active ingredients. While drugs are subject to a review and approval process by FDA, cosmetics are not. In other words, the formula does not technically have to prove efficacy or safety, but it does contain an ingredient that may have activity in the skin.

My favorite, and the one & only Cosmeceutical Line I use:

Love my lucky Image Skincare t-shirt!

FYI… it’s not just about one really fabulous ingredient — it’s the mixture of the right amounts of active ingredients working together that works best in the skin, similar to how oral multivitamins work internally in our bodies with a mixture of vitamins and minerals for best absorption.

So, since nurses & estheticians do not prescribe pharmaceutical products, offering a well formulated and tested cosmeceutical line, like Image Skincare, is the next best option to pharmaceuticals. Cosmeceuticals that are professionally recommended by a licensed skin care professional generally have a higher amount of active ingredients with proven and safe formulations, and offer delivery systems that reach targeted cells in the skin. To put it simply… It really works and you will see results!

Now you may think that these great products will cost you an arm and a leg, but no, you’re wrong.

I did a little research to show you the difference in price of OTC products vs Image Skincare (Cosmeceutical) products.

Here’s a couple of screen shots I took to show you prices from some popular Cosmetic stores, as well as prices for Image Skincare products from my Skincare Shop:

For some people, hearing the word Botox paints a picture of a plastic woman with a frozen face. Other people think “rat poison”. What’s the reason behind all this negativity? In my opinion, there are two main reasons: Reality shows where someone went too far and lack of knowledge.

Hopefully this blog post will alter any negative perspectives out there and turn them into positive ones.

Let’s start with the most basic questions…

What is Botox?
Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) is a two-chain polypeptide protein and neurotoxin produced by a purified form of bacterium Clostridium botulinum.“Purified” being the key word here…

How does Botox work?
Botox works to relax the contraction of muscles by blocking nerve impulses, resulting in muscles that can no longer contract, causing dynamic wrinkles (wrinkles that appear temporarily when a muscle contracts during facial expression) to relax and soften. It usually takes 2-14 days to see cosmetic improvement and the effects can last 3-6 months.

Side-note: Botox is not as effective on static wrinkles (wrinkles at rest). Static wrinkles are better treated surgically or with dermal fillers.

Who is Botox good for?
Botox is FDA approved for men and woman from ages 18-65. Although most think that Botox is for older people… It’s actually extremely preventative. More and more, people are starting to realize this wonder. For example, take a look at your mother, father, or any other older person you may encounter… Do you see any permanent wrinkles in between their eyes? Those wrinkles are caused by the corrugator muscle contracting over and over again. This contraction causes collagen breakdown every time the muscle contracts. So, the earlier you start getting Botox the less wrinkling you’ll get later in life. The older you get, the more you’re doing it just to treat those wrinkles, the younger you are, the more you’re doing to prevent them from occurring.

How much does Botox cost?
Average cost is $200-$400 per area and should be repeated every 3-6 months for optimal long-term results. (I usually spend this amount every time I visit the supermarket)… Perspective?

Botox timeline of events: 1895 – Emile van Ermengem, Belgian bacteriologist, found the producer of the botulin toxin was a bacterium, which he named Clostridium botulinum.

1928 – P. Tessmer Snipe and Hermann Sommer for the first time purified the toxin.

1980 – Botox was officially used for the first time in humans to treat strabismus “crossed eyes”, and “uncontrollable blinking”, blepharospasm.

1989 – The cosmetic effect of BTX-A on wrinkles was originally documented by a plastic surgeon from Sacramento, California, Dr. Richard Clark, and published in the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

1993 – Discovered that botulinum toxin could be used for the treatment of achalasia, a spasm of the lower esophageal sphincter.

1994 – Dr. Khalaf Bushara of Southend Hospital in England, showed that botulinum toxin injections inhibit sweating. This was the first demonstration of non-muscular use of BTX-A in humans.

April 12, 2002 – The FDA announced regulatory approval of botulinum toxin type A (Botox Cosmetic) to temporarily improve the appearance of moderate-to-severe frown lines between the eyebrows (glabellar lines)

June 2009 – Its use for treating hypertonic muscles helped an Australian man to walk again. He had required a wheelchair for mobility following a stroke 20 years prior

October 15, 2010 – Received FDA approval for treatment of chronic migraines.

Clearly, throughout the years, Botox has gone through many discoveries and has truly done and continues to do amazing things cosmetically and medically. To add on to this, here’s a full list of its cosmetic and non-cosmetic reported uses:

Side-note:
The amount used for cosmetic purposes is an average of 15-30 units per area…
The amount used for non-cosmetic purposes is between 50-360 units per area…

The non-cosmetic amount is 12 times more than cosmetic amount used!

So as you can see, Botox offers a variety of solutions for a multitude of problems. Its hard to believe that people still have negative beliefs about this product. To all of you still holding on to this opinion, I ask you … What’s so wrong with looking and feeling your best and better yet, what’s so wrong with helping the less fortunate person with one of the disorders listed?

I know I look and feel my best!

BTW… crow’s feet, forehead lines, frown lines, and lip lines all have been injected with Botox! I love the results and trust that you will too!